Side dish: Local Greek to hit Denver

Fans of Jake and Telly's Greek Taverna (2616 W. Colorado Ave., jakeandtellys.com) can now find a similar dining experience in Denver at two-month-old Axios Estiatorio (3901 Tennyson St., axiosdenver.com). That's because co-owner Telly Topakas has left his brother Jake in charge of the Springs eatery to oversee the new restaurant.

"It's a more modern version of Jake and Telly's ... with a contemporary twist that makes it more approachable to Denver," says Telly. In addition to items like a lamb burger, he's successfully incorporated dishes that for some reason didn't catch on when tested on faithful Springs clientele, such as tabouli- and bulgur wheat-stuffed peppers with tahini and feta.

The brothers continue to co-design their menus based on family recipes, but Telly has hired former Mizuna sous chef Royce Oliveira to oversee the single lunch and dinner menu. (Mizuna is one of chef Frank Bonanno's many reputable Denver eateries.)

Flower power

Dogtooth Coffee Co.'s former event trailer has found a new purpose: It was recently purchased by sisters DeeDee Reinstein and Leslie Eimer and turned into Morning Glory Espresso (morninggloryespresso.biz), a mobile caffeine peddler now parked at Fountain Mesa Road and Fontaine Boulevard in Widefield from 5:30 to 10 a.m., weekdays.

Eimer is a former barista, and Reinstein used to run a home day care; they envisioned, and still hope to expand into, a sit-down café. As with many on four wheels, the economy and lack of lending forced them into a compromised model for now.

Mo Glo, as they also call the business, serves Colorado Coffee Merchants coffees and syrups, which go into such drinks as the bestselling Steamy Pinup: a latte with caramel, vanilla and cinnamon. Drip coffee ranges from $1.50 to $2.50, and specialty drinks range from $3.50 to $4.50.

Tastes of Iraq

Babylon Market and Cafe (635-9632), which opened in late September as an international grocery store on North Nevada Avenue, has now opened in a larger location at 2427 N. Academy Blvd. Owner Raed Salih says the space is similar in concept to Briar Mart, in that it is divided into a Middle Eastern market and in-store eatery.

The eatery features items like beef and lamb kababs, falafel and gyros, all with a subtle, Iraqi spin (different spices and methods) to slightly differentiate them from familiar versions, says Salih. You'll also find both light and dark Iraqi teas and strong Turkish coffee, good for pairing with a more nutty and less sweet rendition of baklava. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily.